*[[Order of the Phoenix]] (under [[Cornelius Fudge|Fudge]] and [[Pius Thicknesse|Thicknesse]])

*[[Order of the Phoenix]] (under [[Cornelius Fudge|Fudge]] and [[Pius Thicknesse|Thicknesse]])

*[[Muggle-born]]s (under [[Pius Thicknesse|Thicknesse]])

*[[Muggle-born]]s (under [[Pius Thicknesse|Thicknesse]])

−

|latest=

−

|last=

−

|cause=

}}

}}

{{Quote|The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day...|The Welcome Witch's voice at the Ministry's headquarters.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}

{{Quote|The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day...|The Welcome Witch's voice at the Ministry's headquarters.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}

−

The '''Ministry of Magic''' ('''M.o.M.) of the United Kingdom''' is the main governing body of the magical community of [[Great Britain]] with the intention of preservation of [[Magic|magical]] law. The Ministry connects the British government to the [[wizarding world]]. The [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|headquarters]] of the Ministry are in [[Whitehall]],<ref>[http://harrypotter.ea.com/UK/?p=931 "Challenge mode tests wizarding skills"] at the [http://harrypotter.ea.com/UK/? ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)'' official site]</ref> in central [[London]], deep underground.<ref name="OP7">[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]], Ch. 7</ref> It is headed by the [[Minister for Magic]].

+

+

The '''Ministry of Magic''' ('''M.o.M.''') is the main governing body of the magical community of [[Great Britain]] with the intention of preservation of [[magic]]al law. The Ministry connects the British government to the [[wizarding world]]. The [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|headquarters]] of the Ministry are in [[Whitehall]],<ref>[http://harrypotter.ea.com/UK/?p=931 "Challenge mode tests wizarding skills"] at the [http://harrypotter.ea.com/UK/? ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)'' official site]</ref> in central [[London]], deep underground.<ref name="OOP7">[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]], Ch. 7</ref> It is headed by the [[Minister for Magic]]. The current Minister in Britain is [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]].

+

+

The same Ministry also appears to govern the Wizarding population in [[Ireland]].

The Ministry of Magic was formed as a successor to the earlier [[Wizards' Council]] and came into being sometime during the 1600s. It was involved in the [[International Confederation of Wizards]]' decision to create the [[International Statute of Secrecy|Statute of Secrecy]] and still today takes the responsibility of enforcing said Statute. The laws against magic-use by underage wizards and against wand use by non-wizard folk are also enforced by the Ministry, in part to maintain secrecy.

The Ministry of Magic was formed as a successor to the earlier [[Wizards' Council]] and came into being sometime during the 1600s. It was involved in the [[International Confederation of Wizards]]' decision to create the [[International Statute of Secrecy|Statute of Secrecy]] and still today takes the responsibility of enforcing said Statute. The laws against magic-use by underage wizards and against wand use by non-wizard folk are also enforced by the Ministry, in part to maintain secrecy.

−

Themagical government sometimes has given the impression of, atvarioustimes, either incompetence or malice, which are demonstrated by successful [[Azkaban escapes|break-outs from Azkaban]] and the [[Campaign to Discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter]], respectively. TheMinistry has been known to be corrupt in nature, as it is shown to be quite prepared to decree and enforcedraconianlawswithout notice, and seem uninterested in solving seriousproblems, choosinginsteadtoignoreor cover up badnews.

The current Minister in Britain is [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]. It is known that other countries have their own Ministries of Magic, such as [[Norway]], [[Germany]], [[Bulgaria]] etc.<ref name="GOF4">[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]], in chapter 5</ref>

==History==

==History==

===Early years===

===Early years===

−

[[File:Ministry_of_magic_seal_C00010_60925.gif|thumb|Seal of the Ministry of Magic]]The Ministry of Magic succeeded the earlier [[Wizards' Council]]. It was founded in or prior to [[1620s|1629]].<ref name="FWC">[[Balfour Blane]]'s [[Chocolate Frog Card]]</ref> In [[1717]], The Ministry classified the [[Imperius Curse|Imperius]], [[Cruciatus Curse|Cruciatus]] & [[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]] [[Unforgivable Curses|curses as unforgivable]].

+

[[File:Ministry of magic seal C00010 60925.gif|thumb|Seal of the Ministry of Magic|left]]

+

The Ministry of Magic succeeded the earlier [[Wizards' Council]]. It was founded in [[1700s|1707]]. In [[1717]], the Ministry classified the [[Imperius Curse|Imperius]], [[Cruciatus Curse|Cruciatus]], and [[Killing Curse|Avada Kedavra]] curses the [[Unforgivable Curses]], where use on another human being would command a life sentence to [[Azkaban]].

−

Shortly before [[Millicent Bagnold]]'s retirement, many of the wizarding population wanted [[Albus Dumbledore]] to become Minister.<ref name="OOP7"/> He was offered the job four times,<ref name="HBP20">[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]], Ch. 20</ref> but turned it down, because of his previous negative experiences with power.

+

Shortly before [[Millicent Bagnold]]'s retirement, many of the wizarding population wanted [[Albus Dumbledore]] to become Minister.<ref name="OOP7"/> He was offered the job four times,<ref name="HBP20">[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]], Ch. 20</ref> but turned it down, because of his previous negative experiences with power.

−

The most likely person to become Minister from that point on was [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]], who had gained popularity from his purges of [[Death Eaters]] after the first fall of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], including arresting [[Bartemius Crouch Jr.|his own son]] for participating in the [[Cruciatus Curse]] torture of [[Alice and Frank Longbottom]].<ref name="GOF27">[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]], Ch. 27</ref> However, he fell out of favour, when people suspected that his son's actions and death in [[Azkaban]] were the result of Crouch not caringfor his son.<ref name="GOF27"/>

+

The most likely person to become Minister from that point on was [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]], who had gained popularity from his purges of [[Death Eaters]] after the first fall of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], including arresting [[Bartemius Crouch Jr.|his own son]] for participating in the [[Cruciatus Curse]] torture of [[Alice and Frank Longbottom]].<ref name="GOF27">[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]], Ch. 27</ref> However, he fell out of favour when people suspected that his son's actions and death in [[Azkaban]] were the result of Crouch neglecting his son and by not spendingenough time at home due to his ministerial pursuits.<ref name="GOF27"/>

{{Quote|[[Tom Riddle|He]]'s not back!|[[Cornelius Fudge]], former [[Minister for Magic]], denying the evidence of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldmort]]'s return and growing power during [[Disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter|Harry Potter's hearing]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)}}

{{Quote|[[Tom Riddle|He]]'s not back!|[[Cornelius Fudge]], former [[Minister for Magic]], denying the evidence of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldmort]]'s return and growing power during [[Disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter|Harry Potter's hearing]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)}}

−

During the events surrounding [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Second Wizarding War|second rise to power]], [[Cornelius Fudge]], a highly corruptible, easily intimidated man, was [[Minister for Magic]]. He became Minister for Magic in [[1990]].<ref name="OP10">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 10 (''Luna Lovegood'')</ref>

+

[[File:Nerjr.jpg|thumb|Cornelius Fudge|220x220px]]

+

[[Cornelius Fudge]] was [[Minister for Magic]] during the events surrounding [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Second Wizarding War|second rise to power]]. He became Minister for Magic in [[1990]]<ref name="OP10">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 10 (''Luna Lovegood'')</ref> and stayed on as Minister until being sacked in 1996. Early on in his administration he requested frequent help from wizards such as [[Albus Dumbledore]], but he later became suspicious of Dumbledore and believed that he was trying to usurp Fudge's position.

−

====1992-1993====

+

====1992-1995====

−

When[[Dobby]]doesmagictoattempttokeepHarryawayfromHogwarts, a letter of reprimand,signedby one [[MafaldaHopkirk]], issentbyOwlPostfromtheMinistry. In addition, Fudge came to Hogwarts to put Hagrid in [[Azkaban]],asthe half-giant was suspected of being the one who opened the [[Chamber of Secrets]].

+

Insummer1992,theImproperUseofMagicOfficesent[[HarryPotter]] a letter of reprimand afterthe [[Malfoyfamily]] [[house-elf]], [[Dobby|Dobby,]]performedmagicinanattempttokeep him away from Hogwarts. In early 1993, Fudge went to Hogwarts to send[[Hagrid]]to [[Azkaban]] onsuspicion of opening the [[Chamber of Secrets]], an accusation that had led to his expulsion from Hogwarts 50 years earlier. Hagrid was freed in June.

−

====1993-1994====

+

Convicted murderer Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban in summer 1993, leading to a massive Ministry manhunt. [[Severus Snape]] captured Black and turned him over to Fudge in June 1994, but Harry Potter and [[Hermione Granger]] helped him escape and made the Ministry a "laughingstock." <ref name="PA22">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 22 (''Owl Post Again'')</ref>

−

During these years, the Ministry tried very hard to recapture [[Sirius Black]], an Azkaban escapee; there is evidence to suggest that the Ministry seemed more interested in retaining its reputation than in acting correctly. Fudge's refusal to even listen to Harry and Hermione's side of the story, while accepting [[Severus Snape]]'s version of events unquestioned, shows that Fudge, at least, was a very political person, doing what he felt would give him the greatest degree of popularity.

−

====1994-1995====

+

Organising the 1994-1995 [[Triwizard Tournament]] involved substantial efforts from the Department for International Magical Cooperation, the Department of Magical Games and Sports, and other parts of the Ministry. The Tournament concluded with the death of [[Cedric Diggory]] and the [[Rebirth of Lord Voldemort]] on [[24 June]], [[1995]]. Fudge refused to believe Dumbledore and Harry Potter's accounts of these events, leading Dumbledore to re-activate the [[Order of the Phoenix]] to counter Voldemort.

−

During these years, the international [[Triwizard Tournament]] concluded with the death of [[Cedric Diggory]] and the [[Rebirth of Lord Voldemort]] on [[24 June]], [[1995]]. The Ministry's immediate responses were to spin the former and deny the latter, out of fear of being pilloried by public opinion. [[Percy Weasley]], given a promotion to assist Fudge directly as part of the apparent cover-up of the Ministry's failure to protect its own employee, [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]], accepted the Ministry story at face value, while [[Arthur Weasley]], while remaining a Ministry employee, found Dumbledore more believable. This difference of opinion caused an estrangement between Percy and the rest of his family.

====1995-1996====

====1995-1996====

−

After Voldemort's return, the Ministry [[Campaign to discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter|campaigned]]todiscredit [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Harry Potter]], as Fudge, his mind "twisted and warped by fear", refused to believe this horrifying possibility. This trend of attempting to minimize the immediate damage included the Ministry'sattemptstogetHarrydrummedoutoftheWizardingcommunity, forcingteachers and oversight on Hogwarts, removingprivileges from [[AlbusDumbledore]] andanyone who accepted his statement that Voldemort has returned, and encouraging the ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' to publish stories denigrating Dumbledore and Harry. On [[12 August]], [[Harry Potter]] was summoned to a [[Disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter|disciplinary hearing]] at the Ministry, pertaining to what the Ministry termed "''offencescommittedunderthe [[Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of UnderageSorcery]] and the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy|International Statute of Secrecy]]''".<ref name="OP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Hearing'')</ref>

+

{{Quote|Blatantcorruption!The Ministry didnotcutdealswithpettycriminalsinmyday, nosir, theydidnot!|[[DexterFortescue]] afterlearning the Ministry'sdealwithcriminal [[WillyWiddershins]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}[[File:1232641013_011.jpg|thumb|left|231x231px|Dolores Umbridge]]

+

After Voldemort's return, the Ministry [[Campaign to discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter|campaigned]] to discredit [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Harry Potter]], as Fudge, his mind "twisted and warped by fear", refused to believe this horrifying possibility. This trend of attempting to minimize the immediate damage included the Ministry's attempts to get Harry drummed out of the Wizarding community, forcing teachers and oversight on Hogwarts, removing privileges from [[Albus Dumbledore]] and anyone who accepted his statement that Voldemort has returned, and encouraging the ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' to publish stories denigrating Dumbledore and Harry. On [[12 August]], [[Harry Potter]] was summoned to a [[Disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter|disciplinary hearing]] at the Ministry, pertaining to what the Ministry termed "''offences committed under the [[Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery]] and the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy|International Statute of Secrecy]]''". The hearing was changed to a full court trial, which was unorthodox and was outside the context of the law, in a biased attempt to further discredit Harry.<ref name="OP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Hearing'')</ref>

Ministry activities ended up having to include concealing the reason for the mass breakout from Azkaban, as the Ministry could not explain, or justify, the defection of the [[Dementor]]s. [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] tried to retrieve a [[Sybill Trelawney's first prophecy|a specific prophecy]] pertaining to [[Harry Potter]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] from the [[Hall of Prophecy]] on Level Nine, the [[Department of Mysteries]]. In order to do that, they placed both [[Broderick Bode]]<ref name="OP26">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 26 (''Seen and Unforeseen'')</ref> and [[Sturgis Podmore]]<ref name="OP14">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Percy and Padfoot'')</ref> under the [[Imperius Curse]], to no avail, as only Harry could take it from its shelf.

Ministry activities ended up having to include concealing the reason for the mass breakout from Azkaban, as the Ministry could not explain, or justify, the defection of the [[Dementor]]s. [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] tried to retrieve a [[Sybill Trelawney's first prophecy|a specific prophecy]] pertaining to [[Harry Potter]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] from the [[Hall of Prophecy]] on Level Nine, the [[Department of Mysteries]]. In order to do that, they placed both [[Broderick Bode]]<ref name="OP26">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 26 (''Seen and Unforeseen'')</ref> and [[Sturgis Podmore]]<ref name="OP14">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Percy and Padfoot'')</ref> under the [[Imperius Curse]], to no avail, as only Harry could take it from its shelf.

−

Shortly after midnight on [[18 June]], [[1996]], the [[Death Eaters]] managed to lure [[Harry Potter]] and [[Dumbledore's Army]] into the deserted Ministry. The [[Order of the Phoenix]] went to rescue them, and a [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries|battle]] ensued which included a [[Duel in the Ministry Atrium|duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore themselves]] in the [[Atrium]] of the Ministry.<ref name="OP35">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 35 (''Beyond the Veil'')</ref> After the battle, Fudge and several other witnesses saw Voldemort with their own eyes, and this position of denial became untenable. Thus, the Ministry was forced to acknowledge the return of the Dark Lord and, and Fudge was replaced by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] shortly after he lefttheoffice in disgrace.<ref name="HBP1">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref>

+

Shortly after midnight on [[18 June]], [[1996]], the [[Death Eaters]] managed to lure [[Harry Potter]] and [[Dumbledore's Army]] into the deserted Ministry. The [[Order of the Phoenix]] went to rescue them, and a [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries|battle]] ensued which included a [[Duel in the Ministry Atrium|duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore themselves]] in the [[Atrium]] of the Ministry.<ref name="OP35">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 35 (''Beyond the Veil'')</ref> After the battle, Fudge and several other witnesses saw Voldemort with their own eyes, and this position of denial became untenable. Thus, the Ministry was forced to acknowledge the return of the Dark Lord and Fudge was unceremoniously replaced by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]],although he wasallowedto aid in an 'advisory capacity'.<ref name="HBP1">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref>

−

[[File:Scrimhallows22.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rufus Scrimgeour]], former Head of the [[Auror Office]] and [[Minister for Magic]].]]

−

[[File:-New-Ministry-of-Magic-banner-urging-wizards-and-witches-to-Stay-Vigilant-again-Death-Eaters-harry-potter-15964943-423-1000.jpeg|thumb|141px|Typical Ministry of Magic poster warning about the dangers of the the [[Death Eater]]s during Scrimgeour's time as Minister.]]

−

===Under Rufus Scrimgeour===

===Under Rufus Scrimgeour===

{{Quote|Maybe the Ministry should put some people onto that, instead of wasting their time stripping down Deluminators or covering up [[Azkaban escapes#1997|breakouts]] from [[Azkaban]]...People are dying – I was nearly one of them – Voldemort [[Battle of the Seven Potters|chased me across three counties]], he killed [[Alastor Moody|Mad-Eye Moody]], but there’s no word about any of that from the Ministry, has there? And you still expect us to cooperate with you!|[[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}

{{Quote|Maybe the Ministry should put some people onto that, instead of wasting their time stripping down Deluminators or covering up [[Azkaban escapes#1997|breakouts]] from [[Azkaban]]...People are dying – I was nearly one of them – Voldemort [[Battle of the Seven Potters|chased me across three counties]], he killed [[Alastor Moody|Mad-Eye Moody]], but there’s no word about any of that from the Ministry, has there? And you still expect us to cooperate with you!|[[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}

+

[[File:-New-Ministry-of-Magic-banner-urging-wizards-and-witches-to-Stay-Vigilant-again-Death-Eaters-harry-potter-15964943-423-1000.jpeg|thumb|323x323px|Typical Ministry of Magic poster warning about the dangers of the [[Death Eater]]s during Scrimgeour's time as Minister.]]

In response to the [[Second Wizarding War|war]] situation the country was facing, [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], the previous Head of the [[Auror Office]], was appointed Fudge's successor in the summer of [[1996]], and was responsible for the creation of several new bureaucracy, such as [[Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects]].<ref name="HBP5">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 5 (''An Excess of Phlegm'')</ref>

In response to the [[Second Wizarding War|war]] situation the country was facing, [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], the previous Head of the [[Auror Office]], was appointed Fudge's successor in the summer of [[1996]], and was responsible for the creation of several new bureaucracy, such as [[Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects]].<ref name="HBP5">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 5 (''An Excess of Phlegm'')</ref>

+

[[File:Scrimhallows22.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rufus Scrimgeour]], former Head of the [[Auror Office]] and [[Minister for Magic]].|233x233px]]

+

Despite this, unfortunately, Scrimgeour did not fare much better than Fudge. Again reacting to public opinion, Scrimgeour tried desperately to make the Ministry look like it was making progress, despite the reality being to the contrary, such as by wrongfully imprisoning [[Stan Shunpike]]. Harry had two meetings with Scrimgeour, in which Harry's co-operation with the Ministry was solicited for his propaganda value: the Ministry wanted Harry to be the "poster child" for the Ministry so as to give the public hope, by telling them that the Ministry remained a source of safety, strength and that "The Chosen One" endorsed the Ministry's investigations. Harry turned Scrimgeour down flat both times.

−

Despitethis,unfortunately, ScrimgeourdidnotfaremuchbetterthanFudge.Againreactingtopublicopinion, Scrimgeour trieddesperatelytomake the Ministry looklikeitwasmakingprogress,despite the realitybeingto the contrary, suchasbywrongfullyimprisoning [[StanShunpike]]. Harry hadtwomeetingswithScrimgeour, in whichHarry'sco-operationwith the Ministry was solicitedforhispropagandavalue: the Ministry wantedHarrytobethe"posterchild" for the Ministrysoastogivethepublichope,bytellingthem that the Ministryremainedasourceofsafety andstrength. Harry turnedScrimgeourdownflatbothtimes.

+

Inthesummer of the [[1997|next year]], shortlyafter[[AlbusDumbledore]]'smurder,the[[Atrium]]attheMinistrywasthesetting for a speech by Scrimgeour aboutthe"darktimes" in which the wizarding world was living, and how the Ministry remained"strong"andactiveinthefight against the darkforces.<refname="DHpt11">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' - Chapter 1</ref> In the meantime, the[[DeathEaters]]weremanaging to infiltrate the Ministry by [[Imperius Curse|magicallycontrolling]] some of the its higher-ranking officials.<refname="DH1">''[[Harry PotterandtheDeathlyHallows]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref> As a result, later in thesummer,onthe evening of [[1 August]], [[1997]], the Ministry was thestageofasilent [[Fall of the Ministry ofMagic|coup]],duringwhichScrimgeourwasmurdered<ref name="DH8">''[[HarryPotter and the DeathlyHallows]]''-Chapter8(''TheWedding'')</ref>whilerefusingtogive the [[DeathEaters]]anyinformationon[[HarryPotter]].<refname="DH11">''[[Harry PotterandtheDeathlyHallows]]''- Chapter 11 (''The Bribe'')</ref>

−

−

In the summer of the [[1997|next year]], shortly after [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s murder, the [[Atrium]] at the Ministry was the setting for a speech by Scrimgeour about the "dark times" in which the wizarding world was living, and how the Ministry remained "strong" and active in the fight against the dark forces.<ref name="DHpt11">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' - Chapter 1</ref> In the meantime, the [[Death Eaters]] were managing to infiltrate the Ministry by [[Imperius Curse|magically controlling]] some of the its higher-ranking officials.<ref name="DH1">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref> As a consequence, later in the summer, on the evening of [[1 August]], [[1997]], the Ministry was the stage of a silent [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|coup]], during which Scrimgeour was murdered<ref name="DH8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Wedding'')</ref> while refusing to give the [[Death Eaters]] any information on [[Harry Potter]].<ref name="DH11">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Bribe'')</ref>

===Under Pius Thicknesse===

===Under Pius Thicknesse===

−

{{Quote|You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide|[[Pius Thicknesse]] speaking on the Ministry of Magic's new stance on [[Muggle-born]]s, [[Harry Potter]], and members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}

+

{{Quote|You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.|[[Pius Thicknesse]] speaking on the Ministry of Magic's new stance on [[Muggle-born]]s, [[Harry Potter]], and members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}

−

[[File:Thicknesse_regime.png|thumb|right|300px|Four consequential members of the new regime: from left to right, [[Albert Runcorn]] (investigator of alleged [[Muggle-born]]s), [[Dolores Umbridge]] (Head of the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]), [[Pius Thicknesse]] ([[Minister for Magic]]), and [[Yaxley]] (Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]])]]

+

[[File:Thicknesse regime.png|thumb|right|235x235px|Four consequential members of the new regime: from left to right, [[Albert Runcorn]] (investigator of alleged [[Muggle-born]]s), [[Dolores Umbridge]] (Head of the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]), [[Pius Thicknesse]] ([[Minister for Magic]]), and [[Yaxley]] (Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]])]]

After the [[Death Eater]] [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|coup]], the Ministry of Magic was headed by [[Pius Thicknesse]], who was under [[Death Eater]] control by means of the [[Imperius Curse]]; Voldemort chose not to openly reveal himself as Minister, in order to keep an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the community. Much more security was added to the building. In addition, employees were now forced to go to work via a toilet network,<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic Is Might'')</ref> accessible inside a set of [[Whitehall underground public toilets|underground public toilets]] in [[Whitehall]].<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic Is Might'')</ref>

After the [[Death Eater]] [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|coup]], the Ministry of Magic was headed by [[Pius Thicknesse]], who was under [[Death Eater]] control by means of the [[Imperius Curse]]; Voldemort chose not to openly reveal himself as Minister, in order to keep an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the community. Much more security was added to the building. In addition, employees were now forced to go to work via a toilet network,<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic Is Might'')</ref> accessible inside a set of [[Whitehall underground public toilets|underground public toilets]] in [[Whitehall]].<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic Is Might'')</ref>

Line 67:

Line 67:

Under Thicknesse's control, the Ministry became totalitarian, placing surveillance upon those it was suspicious of, such as [[Arthur Weasley]], and creating the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] to prosecute [[Muggle-born]]s for allegedly stealing [[magic]]. The Ministry also acquired the motto '[[Magic is Might]]' which was inscribed upon [[Magic is Might monument|a sculpture with a witch and wizard sitting on thrones made of Muggles]].<ref name="DH13">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 13 (''The Muggle-born Registration Commission'')</ref> [[Death Eaters]] such as [[Yaxley]] gained high positions within the Ministry as well.

Under Thicknesse's control, the Ministry became totalitarian, placing surveillance upon those it was suspicious of, such as [[Arthur Weasley]], and creating the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] to prosecute [[Muggle-born]]s for allegedly stealing [[magic]]. The Ministry also acquired the motto '[[Magic is Might]]' which was inscribed upon [[Magic is Might monument|a sculpture with a witch and wizard sitting on thrones made of Muggles]].<ref name="DH13">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 13 (''The Muggle-born Registration Commission'')</ref> [[Death Eaters]] such as [[Yaxley]] gained high positions within the Ministry as well.

−

===RecentYears===

+

===Afterthe Battle of Hogwarts===

−

[[File:Shacklebolt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]]]

−

In [[1998]], after the destruction of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] became Minister for Magic and led a massive reform of the Ministry<ref>[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript "J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript"] on [http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/ The Leaky Cauldron]</ref>. This included the efforts of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] in the [[Auror Office]], and [[Hermione Granger]] advancing the rights of non-humans, and eradicating pro-[[pure-blood]] laws in the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] and later the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]. <ref name="HPFC">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0729-dateline-vieira.html "Vieira, Meredith. "Harry Potter: The Final Chapter" Dateline (NBC) , 29 July 2007"] on [http://www.accio-quote.org/index.html Accio Quote]</ref>

−

==Composition and status==

+

In [[1998]], after the destruction of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] became Minister for Magic and led a massive reform of the Ministry.<ref>[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript "J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript"] on [http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/ The Leaky Cauldron]</ref> This included the efforts of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] in the [[Auror Office]], and [[Hermione Granger]] advancing the rights of non-humans, and eradicating pro-[[pure-blood]] laws in the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] and later the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].<ref name="HPFC">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0729-dateline-vieira.html "Vieira, Meredith. "Harry Potter: The Final Chapter" Dateline (NBC) , 29 July 2007"] on [http://www.accio-quote.org/index.html Accio Quote]</ref>

−

===Connectionto non-magical world===

+

==Governmentstructure==

−

Eachnew[[PrimeMinister(title)|MugglePrime Minister]] receivesavisitfrom the MinisterforMagic, whoinformshimorherthatthe [[wizardingworld]] exists.HeexplainsthathewillcontactthePrimeMinisteronlyincircumstancesin which the eventsof the wizardworldmayaffectMuggles.Forexample, theMinisterhas to inform the PrimeMinisterifdangerousmagicalartefactsoranimalsaretobe brought into the U.K.

+

TheMinistry'semployeesarelargelyunelected,but the [[Minister for Magic]] iselectedbyan unknown group.<ref name="OOP7">[[Harry Potter and the Orderofthe Phoenix]], Ch.7</ref>EmploymentwiththeMinistrycanbe obtained directly upon completion of a wizarding education,<ref name="GOF">[[HarryPotter and the Goblet of Fire]]</ref>althoughdifferentofficesrequiredifferentlevelsofeducationandsometimesspecificexamresults.Both the Ministerand the Ministryasawholeareseento be sensitive to wizard public opinion, whichtheyattempt to influence via the wizardingnewspaperthe''[[DailyProphet]]''.<refname="OOP7">[[HarryPotterandtheOrderof the Phoenix]], Ch. 7</ref>

−

+

===Minister for Magic===

−

The Ministry keeps in touch with the British Prime Minister via a wizard's portrait in the [[Prime Minister'soffice]]at 10 [[Downing Street]]. The portrait, which cannot be removedfrom the wall(because of a[[PermanentStickingCharm]]inplace),notifiesthePrimeMinister of the MinisterforMagic'sarrival.TheMinistersforMagic [[CorneliusFudge]] and [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] tendtoactinasomewhatpatronisingmannertowards the Muggle PrimeMinister.

+

The [[Minister forMagic]] is the electedleader of theMinistry.TheMinisterandSupportStaffoccupyLevelOne of the Ministry.Duringthepuppetregimesetupby [[TomRiddle|Lord Voldemort]] in [[1997]]-[[1998]],thislevelalsohousedtheofficeofthe[[Head of the Muggle-BornRegistrationCommission]].

−

−

===Government structure and Employment===

−

The Ministry's employees appear to be a largely unelected body, but the post of Minister itself is stated to be an elected position.<ref name="OOP7">[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]], Ch. 7</ref> Who has the power to elect or dismiss ministers is never explained. Nevertheless, both the Minister and the Ministry as a whole are seen to be highly sensitive to (and reliant on) wizard public opinion, which they attempt to influence via the ''[[Daily Prophet]]'', the wizarding newspaper.<ref name="OOP7">[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]], Ch. 7</ref> Employment with the Ministry can be obtained directly upon completion of a wizarding education,<ref name="GOF">[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]</ref> though different offices require different levels of education and sometimes specific exam results.

−

−

===Ministers for Magic (to complete)===

−

{{Main|Minister for Magic}}

−

The following is a list of known Ministers for Magic and their tenures in office:

The current Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt, replaced Voldemort's puppet, Pius Thicknesse, who had been placed under the Imperius Curse and put in power after Voldemort killed Scrimgeour, who had replaced Fudge.

−

−

[[Albus Dumbledore]] was offered the job of Minister and refused it at least four times. In his latter days at Hogwarts, [[Tom Riddle]] was widely predicted to become Minister due to his intelligence, magical talent, and ability to forge alliances with the people around him, and to gather followers to serve his interests. Riddle, however, refused all offers of assistance to find work at the Ministry.

−

−

===Important Personnel===

−

''Note that the following list does not include Ministers for Magic, as that list is in the above section.''

−

*[[Ludovic Bagman]] - Head of [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]] (vanished?)

−

*[[Amelia Bones]] (deceased) - Head of [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]], murdered by Voldemort

*[[Newt Scamander]] - [[Beast Division]], [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]], retired, and author of [[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]

−

*[[Nymphadora Tonks]] (deceased) - Auror

−

*[[Dolores Umbridge]] - [[Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic]] under Cornelius Fudge

−

*[[Arthur Weasley]] - head of the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]] under Cornelius Fudge and head of the [[Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects]] under Rufus Scrimgeour

−

*[[Percy Weasley]] - Department of International Magical Cooperation, promoted to [[Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic]] under Cornelius Fudge, retained that position under Rufus Scrimgeour and Pius Thicknesse

One may enter the Ministry via the visitors' entrance, which is in a {{wplink|telephone booth}} outside on the pavement.<ref name="OOP7"/> The entrance code on the telephone booth is the number 62442 ("MAGIC").<ref name="OOP7"/> Following the prompts of the operator, passes are issued and the telephone box will descend through the ground into the [[Atrium]] (Floor 8). It was presumed that, before Voldemort's takeover, a Ministry wizard would either use the Floo Network or Apparate ''directly'' into the attrium.

−

−

More than twenty [[Ministry of Magic lifts|service lifts]] stop at all floors, levels 1-9.<ref name="OOP7"/> Stairways may provide access to all 10 levels in the Ministry and must be used to access the [[Wizengamot]] courtrooms on level 10.

−

−

As the entire Ministry is underground, the higher floor number indicates levels deeper into the ground.

−

−

===During Voldemort's reign===

−

After Voldemort took over the Ministry, employees and officials were forced to enter the Ministry by flushing themselves through [[Whitehall underground public toilets|underground toilets]] in [[Whitehall]]. Two stairways are labelled GENTLEMEN or LADIES. They lead into an underground public bathroom. A golden Ministry of Magic coin is used to open the stall doors.

−

−

The act of flushing oneself down the Ministry toilet causes the person to emerge into a fireplace on the left side of the [[Atrium]], which faces the [[Magic is Might monument]], a replacement of the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]].<ref name="OOP7"/>

−

−

To depart the Ministry, one must stand in one of the fireplaces on the right side of the [[Atrium]], causing them to come out of another toilet in the underground bathroom. At this point one may [[Apparition|Apparate]] to a separate location.<ref name="OOP7"/>

−

−

==Departments==

−

[[File:Ministry_of_Magic_Latin_Logo.jpg|thumb|180px|The Department of Magical Law Enforcement's motto: ''Ignorantia juris neminem excusat'' (Latin for ''ignorance of the law excuses no one'').]]

−

The Ministry has seven departments in all, each dealing with different aspects of the wizarding world, with the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] being the largest and all others more or less answering to it (except the [[Department of Mysteries]]).

−

−

Each Department has a level of [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|Ministry Headquarters]] assigned to it, although Law Enforcement has not only level two but also the courtrooms of level ten. There are also many minor offices within the departments. The known departments and their offices are the following:

−

−

*[[Minister for Magic and Support Staff]]

−

**Office of the [[Minister for Magic]]

−

**Office of the [[Advisor to the Minister for Magic]]

−

**Office of the [[Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic]]

−

**Office of the [[Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic]]

−

*[[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]

−

**[[Auror Office]]

−

**[[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]]

−

**[[Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects]]

−

**[[Improper Use of Magic Office]]

−

**[[Wizengamot Administration Services]]

−

*[[Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes]]

−

**[[Accidental Magic Reversal Squad]]

−

**[[Obliviator Headquarters]]

−

**[[Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee]]

−

**[[Invisibility Task Force]]

−

**[[Muggle Liaison Office]]

−

*[[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]]

−

**[[Beast Division]]

−

**[[Being Division]]

−

**[[Spirit Division]]

−

**[[Goblin Liaison Office]]

−

**[[Centaur Liaison Office]]

−

**[[Pest Advisory Board]]

−

**[[Office of Misinformation]]

−

*[[Department of International Magical Cooperation]]

−

**[[International Magical Trading Standards Body]]

−

**[[International Magical Office of Law]]

−

**[[International Confederation of Wizards]]

−

*[[Department of Magical Transportation]]

−

**[[Floo Network Authority]]

−

**[[Broom Regulatory Control]]

−

**[[Portkey Office]]

−

**[[Apparation Test Centre]]

−

*[[Department of Magical Games and Sports]]

−

**[[British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters]]

−

**[[Official Gobstones Club]]

−

**[[Ludicrous Patents Office]]

−

*[[Department of Mysteries]]

−

*[[British Ministry of Magic#Departments of Unknown Levels|Departments of Unknown Levels]]

−

**[[Committee on Experimental Charms]]

−

**[[Magical Maintenance Department]]

−

**[[Ministry of Magic Public Information Services]]

−

**[[Department of Magical Education]]

−

**[[Very Important Members of Section M.I. Trx.]]

−

**[[Wizarding Examinations Authority]]

−

**[[Ministry of Magic research committee]]

−

**[[Ministry of Magic exploding bonbons disposal unit]]

−

**[[Foreign Affairs and Sports Department]]

−

−

The departments communicate through "[[interdepartmental memo]]s", written on pale-violet paper which is folded into paper aeroplanes, which fly on their own to destinations. They once used [[owl]]s, which caused intolerable amounts of fouling by their droppings and moulted feathers.

−

−

===Minister for Magic and Support Staff===

−

{{Main|Minister for Magic and Support Staff}}

−

−

[[File:Level.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The entrance to the office of the [[Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic]] on Level One.]]

−

−

This department has the offices of the highest Ministry officials. This level's floor is covered in thick purple carpets, and all the offices within contain a gleaming mahogany door, each bearing a small plaque with the owner's name and position upon it.<ref name="DH13">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 13 (''The Muggle-Born Registration Commission'')</ref> During the puppet regime set up by [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] in [[1997]]-[[1998]], this level also housed the office of the [[Head of the Muggle-Born Registration Commission]].

−

It includes these known offices:

+

It includes these offices:

*Office of the [[Minister for Magic]]

*Office of the [[Minister for Magic]]

*Office of the [[Advisor to the Minister for Magic]]

*Office of the [[Advisor to the Minister for Magic]]

Line 82:

Line 82:

*Office of the [[Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic]]

*Office of the [[Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic]]

−

===Department of Magical Law Enforcement===

+

===Departments===

−

{{Main|Department of Magical Law Enforcement}}

+

The Ministry has seven departments in all, each dealing with different aspects of the wizarding world, with the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] being the largest and all others more or less answering to it (except the [[Department of Mysteries]]).

−

[[File:Department_of_Magical_Law_Enforcement.jpg|thumb|Logo of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]The [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] is the largest department at the Ministry of Magic, although the size of the [[Department of Mysteries]] is unknown. Arguably the most important of the various departments, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is a combination of police and justice facilities and is roughly the equivalent to the [[Wikipedia:Home Office|Home Office]] of [[Muggle]] Britain.

−

Itislocatedon the second level of the Ministry of Magic.Around the corner from the access lift, and past a set of heavy oak doors, lies the [[Auror Office|Auror Headquarters]]:alargeopenareadividedintosmallcubicles,oneforeach[[Auror]].Afteranotherset of doubledoorsandanotherpassage,onefindsoneselfin a dimly lit and distinctly shabby corridor at the endofwhichliesa broom cupboard to the left and opposite it the [[MisuseofMuggleArtefactsOffice]],inaroomofalmostthesamesizeasthecupboard;two desks and overflowingfilingcabinetscrammedinside.

+

EachDepartmenthasa level of [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|Ministry Headquarters]] assignedtoit,althoughLawEnforcementhasnotonlyleveltwobutalsothecourtrooms of levelten.Therearealsomanyminorofficeswithin the departments.Thedepartmentscommunicatethrough"[[interdepartmentalmemo]]s"writtenonpale-violetpaperaeroplanes,whichflyontheirowntodestinations.Theknowndepartments and theirofficesarethefollowing:

−

Before Voldemort's take-over, this Department was headed by [[Amelia Bones]]. She was replaced by [[Pius Thicknesse]] after [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] murdered her<ref>[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</ref>, and Thicknesse was replaced by [[Yaxley]] after Voldemort had Thicknesse appointed the puppet Ministerforhisregime.

+

====Department ofMagicalLawEnforcement====

−

[[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]] once headed the department. [[Harry Potter|Harry]] joined this department, under the Auror Office, at the age of seventeen and was followed by Ron Weasley. It includes the followingknownoffices:

+

{{Main|Department of MagicalLawEnforcement}}

+

[[File:Department of Magical Law Enforcement.jpg|thumb|Logo of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement|187x187px]]The [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] is a combination of police and justice facilities and has power over all other departments except the Department of Mysteries. It includes the following offices:

*[[Auror Office]]

*[[Auror Office]]

*[[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]]

*[[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]]

Line 96:

Line 96:

*[[Wizengamot]] and [[Wizengamot Administration Services]]

*[[Wizengamot]] and [[Wizengamot Administration Services]]

−

===Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes===

+

====Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes====

{{Main|Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes}}

{{Main|Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes}}

−

[[File:Department_of_Magical_Accidents_and_Catastrophes.jpg|thumb|right|Logo of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes]]

+

[[File:Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.jpg|thumb|right|Logo of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes|175x175px]]

−

The [[Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes]] is responsible for repairing accidental magical damage. It includes theseknowndepartments:

+

The [[Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes]] is responsible for repairing accidental magical damage. It includes thefollowingoffices:

====Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures====

{{Main|Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures}}

{{Main|Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures}}

−

[[File:Department_for_the_Regulation_and_Control_of_Magical_Creatures_logo.png|thumb|Logo of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]]The [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] is thesecondlargest Department in the Ministry. After leaving [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], [[Hermione Granger]] briefly worked in this department, beforetransferringtothe [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]. It includes theseknowndepartments:

+

[[File:Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures logo.png|thumb|Logo of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures|175x175px]]The [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] is responsibleforstudying, regulating, andcontrollingmagicalcreatures. It includes thefollowingoffices:

*[[Beast Division]]

*[[Beast Division]]

*[[Being Division]]

*[[Being Division]]

Line 119:

Line 119:

{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the [[Muggle]] community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]].|Clause 73 of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]].|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them}}

{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the [[Muggle]] community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]].|Clause 73 of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]].|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them}}

−

===Department of International Magical Cooperation===

+

====Department of International Magical Cooperation====

−

{{Main|Department of International Magical Cooperation}}

−

[[File:Department_of_International_Magical_Cooperation.jpg|thumb|right|Logo of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.]]

−

The [[Department of International Magical Cooperation]] is an agency concerned in foreign affairs that attempts to get wizards from different countries to cooperate in wizarding actions, both political and public.{{HP4}} The former head was [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]], until his death. This is also where [[Percy Weasley]] began his Ministry career.

−

It is closest to the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the Muggle World, and various organs of the United Nations, though seems to hold less prowess in the Wizarding world, apparently. The duties of this department are to work with magical governments of other countries, set standards for trade, create regulations for things like cauldron thickness, work with [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]] on the [[Triwizard Tournament]], be present at the [[International Confederation of Wizards]], British Seats. It includes these knowndepartments:

+

{{Main|Department of International MagicalCooperation}}

+

[[File:Department of International Magical Cooperation.jpg|thumb|right|Logo of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.|175x175px]]

+

The [[Department of International Magical Cooperation]] deals with foreign affairs, both political and public.{{HP4}}It includes the following offices:

*[[International Magical Trading Standards Body]]

*[[International Magical Trading Standards Body]]

Line 127:

Line 127:

*[[International Confederation of Wizards]], British Seats

*[[International Confederation of Wizards]], British Seats

−

===Department of Magical Transportation===

+

====Department of Magical Transportation====

−

[[File:Department_of_Magical_Transportation.jpg|thumb|Logo of the Department of Magical Transportation]]

+

[[File:Department of Magical Transportation.jpg|thumb|Logo of the Department of Magical Transportation|196x196px]]

{{Main|Department of Magical Transportation}}

{{Main|Department of Magical Transportation}}

−

The [[Department of Magical Transportation]] is responsible for various aspects of magical transport. It includes theseknowndepartments:

+

The [[Department of Magical Transportation]] is responsible for various aspects of magical transportation. It includes thefollowingoffices:

*[[Floo Network Authority]]

*[[Floo Network Authority]]

*[[Broom Regulatory Control]]

*[[Broom Regulatory Control]]

Line 137:

Line 137:

*[[Apparation Test Centre]]

*[[Apparation Test Centre]]

−

===Department of Magical Games and Sports===

+

====Department of Magical Games and Sports====

{{Main|Department of Magical Games and Sports}}

{{Main|Department of Magical Games and Sports}}

−

The [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]] deals with organising sports events, the likes of the [[Quidditch World Cup]] and the [[Triwizard Tournament]], as well as enforcing game-related laws and regulations. The Department has a very relaxed ambience, the corridor off the access lift being somewhat "untidy-looking" in comparison to the other Ministerial Departments: various posters of [[Quidditch]] teams tacked lopsidedly on the walls. [[Ludovic Bagman]] used to be the Head of Department here, but his gambling problem forced him to flee from [[Goblin]] creditors. It includes theseknowndepartments:

+

The [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]] deals with organising sports events and enforcing game-related laws and regulations. It includes thefollowingoffices:

*[[British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters]]

*[[British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters]]

*[[Official Gobstones Club]]

*[[Official Gobstones Club]]

*[[Ludicrous Patents Office]]

*[[Ludicrous Patents Office]]

−

===TheAtrium===

+

====Departmentof Mysteries====

−

{{Main|Atrium}}

+

[[File:Dpt of Mysteries.jpg|thumb|right|175x175px|The corridor leading to the [[Department of Mysteries]].]]{{Main|Department of Mysteries}}

−

[[File:Ministry.JPG|thumb|left|294px|The [[Atrium]]]]

−

The [[Atrium]] is an area that serves as a lobby and reception area to welcome visitors and employees to the Ministry of Magic. The Atrium is a very long hall with a highly polished dark wood floor. The ceiling is peacock blue and is filled with golden symbols that keep moving like a notice board.

−

The wallsoneachsidearecoveredingildedfireplaces:theleft-hand side ones serving for arrivals and the right-handsideonesfordepartures.<refname="OP7"/>HalfwaydowntheAtrium lays a statue: from [[1995]]-[[1996]] itwasthe [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]] and from [[1997]]-[[1998]] under[[TomRiddle|LordVoldemort]]itwas the [[MagicisMightmonument]].Thereisalsoasetofdoublegoldengatesleadingtotheatleasttwenty[[Ministry of Magiclifts|accesslifts]].

+

The [[DepartmentofMysteries]],locatedonLevelNine,isasectionof the MinistryofMagicthatcarriesoutconfidentialresearchregardingparticularenigmas([[death]],time,space,thought, and [[love]]) and stores [[Prophecy Record|copies]] of [[Prophecy|prophecies]].Mostofitsoperationsarecarried out in total secrecy from the general wizard populace.<ref name="OP35">''[[HarryPotterandthe Order of the Phoenix]]''-Chapter35(''BeyondtheVeil'')</ref>TheDepartmentcontainsthefollowingchambersinwhichvariousmysteries of lifearestudied:

−

*[[Atrium|Lobby and Reception Area]]

−

*[[Fountain of Magical Brethren]]/[[Magic is Might monument]]

−

*[[Ministry of Magic Security Desk|Security Desk]]

−

*[[Ministry Munchies]] Café

−

*[[Ministry of Magic lifts|Lifts]]

−

*[[Magical Maintenance Department|Magical Maintenance]]

−

−

===Department of Mysteries===

−

[[File:Dpt_of_Mysteries.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The corridor leading to the [[Department of Mysteries]].]]{{Main|Department of Mysteries}}

−

−

The [[Department of Mysteries]], located on Level Nine, is a section of the Ministry of Magic that carries out confidential research involving particular enigmas ([[death]], time, space, thought, and [[love]]) and stores [[Prophecy Record|copies]] of [[Prophecy|prophecies]]. Most of its operations are carried out in total secrecy from the general wizard populace<ref name="OP35">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 35 (''Beyond the Veil'')</ref>. However, the primary operations of the department seem to be more like those of scientists, the department attempting to uncover the sources and rules that govern [[magic]].

−

−

Few [[wizards]] within the Ministry actually know what is located within this department. Those wizards who work in the Department of Mysteries are known as [[Unspeakable]]s, because of the covert nature of their work. The also rarely talk, even to their co-workers.<ref name="GOF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref>

−

−

During Voldemort's discriminatory regime, he forced the department to lie and claim that [[Muggle-born]]s actually steal magic from [[Pure-blood]]s, making them "illegal magicals" and allowing their arrest. The reason as to how Muggle-borns (born from non-magical parents) acquire magic remains an embraced mystery in the books, and because the department finally "corroborated" Voldemort's lie, the world was forced to believe.

−

−

This level bears a striking difference to those above: the black-tiled walls<ref name="OPf26">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]'' - Chapter 26 (''The Department of Mysteries'')</ref> are bare with no windows and no doors, apart from a plain black one at the end of the corridor that leads into the Department proper<ref name="OP7"/>. Light is provided only by torches, which glow with a blue-white light.<ref name="OP34">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 34 (''The Department of Mysteries'')</ref> A small flight of steps to the left leads to Level Ten.<ref name="OP7"/> Upon entering the Department, one finds oneself in a [[Department of Mysteries Entrance Room|circular hall of dark marble floor]], lit by candles emmiting a cool blue light.<ref name="OP34"/> The hall holds several doors leading to at least the following chambers in which various mysteries of life are studied:

*[[Brain Room]]

*[[Brain Room]]

Line 156:

Line 156:

*[[Love Chamber]] (a.k.a. The Ever-Locked Room)

*[[Love Chamber]] (a.k.a. The Ever-Locked Room)

−

[[File:Wizengamot.jpg|thumb|left|266px|The[[Wizengamot]] courtrooms being used in the [[First Wizarding War]].]]

+

===OtherOffices===

−

+

[[File:Department of Magical Education logo.jpg|thumb|right|Logo for the Department of Magical Education|189x189px]]The Ministry contains several other offices:

−

===Wizengamot Courtrooms===

−

{{Main|Wizengamot}}

−

Level 10 is the courtrooms, many of which which are used by the [[Wizengamot]], the Wizard High Court, and the [[Council of Magical Law]] to put [[Wizardkind|witches and wizards]] on full-scale criminal trials (such as the [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] trials in [[1981]] during the [[First Wizarding War]]) in.<ref name="GF30">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 30 (''The Pensieve'')</ref> In [[1995]], when [[Cornelius Fudge]] changed a simple case of [[underage magic]] to a full court trial, [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter|hearing]] location changed from [[Amelia Bones]]'s office to [[Courtroom Ten]]. In [[1997]], the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] also used these courtrooms during their questioning of [[Muggle-born]] [[wizardkind|wizards]].<ref name="DH13"/>

−

−

[[File:Harry's_courtroom.png|thumb|350px|[[Courtroom Ten]].]]

−

−

There is a hallway leading from the Department of Mysteries, which connects to a stairwell leading to the courtrooms. It can only be accessed by this stairway and not the [[Ministry of Magic lifts|lifts]]. The corridors to the stairway have rough stone walls and torches in brackets. The doors leading to the courtrooms proper are heavy and made of wood, with large iron bolts and keyholes.<ref name="OP7"/> [[Courtroom Ten]] has walls made of dark stone, dimly lit by torches<ref name="OP8"/>, with serried rows of benches, rising in levels all around the room, all positioned so that they had a clear view of [[Accusation chair|a chair]] on the centre of the room, in which the person charged with a crime would be seated.<ref name="GF30"/>

−

There is a [[Ministry Detention Area|detention area]] below the courtrooms, in which convicted wizards are imprisoned while awaiting transportation to [[Azkaban|Azkaban Prison]]. It is also a dark-tiled area, with gilded gates closing the cells.<ref name="DHp1g">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''</ref>

−

−

===Departments of Unknown Levels===

−

[[File:Department_of_Magical_Education_logo.jpg|thumb|right|Logo for the Department of Magical Education]]The following is a list of Departments within the Ministry of Magic where it is unknown on which level they reside:

*[[Committee on Experimental Charms]]

*[[Committee on Experimental Charms]]

*[[Magical Maintenance Department]]

*[[Magical Maintenance Department]]

Line 166:

Line 166:

*[[Ministry of Magic research committee]]

*[[Ministry of Magic research committee]]

*[[Ministry of Magic exploding bonbons disposal unit]]

*[[Ministry of Magic exploding bonbons disposal unit]]

−

*[[Foreign Affairs and Sports Department]][[File:Foreign_Affairs_and_Sports_Department.JPG|thumb|Logo for the Foreign Affairs and Sports Department]]

+

*[[Foreign Affairs and Sports Department]][[File:Foreign Affairs and Sports Department.JPG|thumb|Logo for the Foreign Affairs and Sports Department|175x175px]]

−

==Public relations==

+

==Personnel==

−

While being a [[Wizards|wizard]] or [[Wizards|witch]] has obvious advantages, the system of government is not one of them. The Ministry seems to be an unelected body, and appears largely {{wplink2|oligarchy|oligarchic}}. There appears to be little coherent separation of powers and the judicial system is heavily biased.

−

==Corruption==

+

===Ministers for Magic===

−

{{Dialogue a-b-c|Dolores Umbridge|I have testimony from [[Willy Widdershins]], [[Minerva McGonagall|Minerva]], who happened to be in [[Hog's Head|the bar]] at the time. He was heavily bandaged, it is true, but his hearing was quite unimpaired. He heard every word [[Harry Potter|Potter]] said and hastened straight to the school to report to me--|Minerva McGonagall|Oh, so that's why he wasn't prosecuted for setting up all those [[regurgitating toilet]]s! What an interesting insight into our justice system!|Fortescue|Blatant corruption! The Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals in my day, no sir, they did not!|[[Dolores Umbridge]], [[Minerva McGonagall]], and the portrait of [[Dexter Fortescue]] discussing the Ministry's actions about [[Willy Widdershins]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}

+

{{Main|Minister for Magic}}

+

The following is a list of the Ministers for Magic and their tenures in office:

The MinistryofMagicgivesanappearanceof, atvarious times, either confounding incompetence or malice. The Ministry has been seen to decree and enforce harsh and tyrannical laws without notice. The few rights that human wizards do have are denied to non-humans. Even people who have been laterfound to be innocent have been subjected to the horrorsof [[Azkaban]], and notallofthe accusedaregiventrials, aswasthe case with [[Sirius Black]]. Modern governments would ostensibly consider some of the actions of the Ministry to be cruel andinhumane.

+

The currentMinister,KingsleyShacklebolt,replacedVoldemort'spuppet, PiusThicknesse, who had been placedunder the ImperiusCurse and putinpowerafterVoldemortkilledScrimgeour, whohadreplacedFudge.

−

Under the direction of Minister [[Cornelius Fudge]], trials were short and did not employ juries (instead, a Wizarding Council heard every case, regardless of what prior knowledge they had of this case), there was no possibility to appeal the verdict, and lawyers were not allowed. It is likely that conditions have improved with the new administration. During [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]]'s appeal case before the [[Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures]], the executioner ([[Walden Macnair]]) was present with his axe before a verdict was even decided on, and mostly the Committee's decisions are influenced by [[Lucius Malfoy]], who threatens and intimidates the members into doing his bidding.

−

[[File:Fudgeposter.png|thumb|right|348px|The large banner of [[Cornelius Fudge]] that used to hang in the atrium, assuring the public that all was well and thus denying the clear evidence of Voldemort's return]]

−

After the return of [[Lord Voldemort]], the minister at the time, [[Cornelius Fudge]], refused to believe that the evil wizard was back despite mounting evidence, and the Ministry even mounted a [[Campaign to Discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter|campaign to damage Harry Potter's credibility]], an effort fuelled in part by Fudge's on paranoid fear that Albus Dumbledore wanted his job. Eventually, the Ministry was forced to acknowledge the emergency and act. Fudge was removed from office for incompetence and replaced by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]].

[[AlbusDumbledore]]wasofferedthejobofMinisterandrefuseditatleastfourtimes.Inhislatterdaysat Hogwarts, [[Tom Riddle]] was widely predicted to becomeMinisterduetohisintelligence,magicaltalent,andabilitytoforgeallianceswiththepeoplearoundhim,andtogatherfollowerstoservehisinterests.Riddle, however, refused alloffersofassistancetofindwork at the Ministry.

−

After the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic]], the entire Ministry was under Voldemort and doing his bidding under the puppet government headed by [[Pius Thicknesse]]. The various laws implemented in this regime included in the persecution and harassment of Muggle-borns and Muggles and propaganda suggesting the inferiority of Muggles and how they should be treated as sub-humans by wizards. However, after Lord Voldemort's fall and Kingsley Shacklebolt being appointed minister, Harry, Ron, and Hermione work for the Ministry and change it in ways to make it drastically less corrupt.

+

===Heads of Departments and Offices===

+

*[[Amelia Bones]] (deceased) - Head of [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]], murdered by Voldemort

+

*[[Bartemius Crouch Sr.|Bartemius Crouch, Sr.]] (deceased) - Head of [[Department of International Magical Cooperation]]; previously served as head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement

+

*[[Ludovic Bagman]] - Head of [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]]

+

*[[Percy Weasley]] - Head of [[Department of Magical Transportation]], previously served as Assistant to the Head of Department of International Magical Cooperation and [[Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic]] under Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour and Pius Thicknesse

+

*[[Bob Ogden]] (deceased) - Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Office

+

*[[Arthur Weasley]] - Head of the [[Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects]] (under Rufus Scrimgeour); previously served as Head of the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]] (under Cornelius Fudge)

*[[Newt Scamander]] - [[Beast Division]], [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]], retired, and author of [[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]

+

*[[Nymphadora Tonks]] (deceased) - Auror

+

*[[Dolores Umbridge]] - [[Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic]] under Cornelius Fudge

+

*[[Gilbert Wimple]] - On the [[Committee on Experimental Charms]]

==Muggle relations==

==Muggle relations==

−

The Ministry keeps in touch with the [[Prime Minister (title)|Muggle Prime Minister]] of the United Kingdom through the help of a [[Portraits|portrait]] in the Downing Street office.<ref name="HBP1"/> The portrait is fixed to the wall with a [[Permanent Sticking Charm]] so no Muggles will be able to remove it, and the subject of the painting will notify the [[Prime Minister|Prime Minister of Muggles]] of the [[Minister for Magic]]'s impending arrivals.{{HP6}} The British Crown, including the [[Prime Minister (title)|Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and the Monarch, are in full knowledge of the Ministry.

+

The Ministry keeps in touch with the [[Prime Minister (title)|Muggle Prime Minister]] of the United Kingdom through the help of a [[Portraits|portrait]] in the Downing Street office.<ref name="HBP1"/> The portrait is fixed to the wall with a [[Permanent Sticking Charm]] so no Muggles will be able to remove it, and the subject of the painting will notify the [[Prime Minister|Prime Minister of Muggles]] of the [[Minister for Magic]]'s impending arrivals.{{HP6}} The British Crown, including the [[Prime Minister (title)|Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and the Monarch, are in full knowledge of the Ministry.

+

Each new [[Prime Minister (title)|Muggle Prime Minister]] receives a visit from the Minister for Magic, who informs him or her that the [[wizarding world]] exists. He explains that he will contact the Prime Minister only in circumstances in which the events of the wizard world may affect Muggles. For example, the Minister has to inform the Prime Minister if dangerous magical artefacts or animals are to be brought into the U.K.

−

[[File:Magicismightconceptartwork.jpg|thumb|Conceptualdesign of the 'MagicisMight' statue.]]

+

The Ministry keeps in touch with the British Prime Minister via a wizard's portrait in the [[PrimeMinister'soffice]]at10 [[Downing Street]]. The portrait, which cannot be removed from the wall (because of a [[Permanent Sticking Charm]] in place), notifies the PrimeMinisterof the Minister for Magic'sarrival. The Ministers for Magic [[Cornelius Fudge]] and [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] tend to act in a somewhat patronising manner towards the Muggle Prime Minister.

+

+

[[File:Magic is might concept artwork.jpg|thumb|Conceptual design of the 'Magic is Might' statue.|left|227x227px]]

However, after the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic]] into the hands of [[Lord Voldemort]] and [[Pius Thicknesse]] became minister as Voldemort's puppet, a new era of Wizard-Muggle relations was brought on that was more in line with [[Death Eater]] ideology. These actions included the instalment of the "[[Magic is Might]]" statue in the Ministry Atrium to replace the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]], which depicts a witch and wizard on top of a throne made from the bodies of crude-looking Muggles.

However, after the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic]] into the hands of [[Lord Voldemort]] and [[Pius Thicknesse]] became minister as Voldemort's puppet, a new era of Wizard-Muggle relations was brought on that was more in line with [[Death Eater]] ideology. These actions included the instalment of the "[[Magic is Might]]" statue in the Ministry Atrium to replace the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]], which depicts a witch and wizard on top of a throne made from the bodies of crude-looking Muggles.

Line 189:

Line 189:

Presumably, after Voldemort's defeat and [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]'s installation of Minister for Magic, the cruel, prejudiced measures imposed under the Death Eater regime towards Muggles (such as the Muggle-Born Registration Commission) were abolished and the Ministry went on communicating with the Muggle Prime Minister when necessary.

Presumably, after Voldemort's defeat and [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]'s installation of Minister for Magic, the cruel, prejudiced measures imposed under the Death Eater regime towards Muggles (such as the Muggle-Born Registration Commission) were abolished and the Ministry went on communicating with the Muggle Prime Minister when necessary.

+

+

==Criticisms==

+

The magical government sometimes has given the impression of, at various times, either incompetence or malice, which are demonstrated by successful [[Azkaban escapes|break-outs from Azkaban]] and the [[Campaign to Discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter]], respectively. The Ministry has been known to be corrupt in nature, as it is shown to be quite prepared to decree and enforce draconian laws without notice, and seem uninterested in solving serious problems, choosing instead to ignore or cover up bad news.

+

===Corruption===

+

{{Dialogue a-b-c|Dolores Umbridge|I have testimony from [[Willy Widdershins]], [[Minerva McGonagall|Minerva]], who happened to be in [[Hog's Head|the bar]] at the time. He was heavily bandaged, it is true, but his hearing was quite unimpaired. He heard every word [[Harry Potter|Potter]] said and hastened straight to the school to report to me--|Minerva McGonagall|Oh, so that's why he wasn't prosecuted for setting up all those [[regurgitating toilet]]s! What an interesting insight into our justice system!|Fortescue|Blatant corruption! The Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals in my day, no sir, they did not!|[[Dolores Umbridge]], [[Minerva McGonagall]], and the portrait of [[Dexter Fortescue]] discussing the Ministry's actions about [[Willy Widdershins]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}

+

+

The Ministry of Magic gives an appearance of, at various times, either confounding incompetence or malice. The Ministry has been seen to decree and enforce harsh and tyrannical laws without notice. The few rights that human wizards do have are denied to non-humans. Even people who have been later found to be innocent have been subjected to the horrors of [[Azkaban]], and not all of the accused are given trials, as was the case with [[Sirius Black]]. Modern governments would ostensibly consider some of the actions of the Ministry to be cruel and inhumane. Under the direction of Minister [[Cornelius Fudge]], trials were short and did not employ juries; instead, a Wizarding Council heard every case regardless of what prior knowledge they had of this case, it was unlikely to be able to appeal the verdict and lawyers were not allowed. It is likely that conditions have improved with the new administration. During [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]]'s appeal case before the [[Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures]], the executioner ([[Walden Macnair]]) was present with his axe before a verdict was even decided on, and mostly the Committee's decisions are influenced by [[Lucius Malfoy]], who threatens and intimidates the members into doing his bidding. [[File:Fudgeposter.png|thumb|right|241x241px|The large banner of [[Cornelius Fudge]] that used to hang in the atrium, assuring the public that all was well and thus denying the clear evidence of Voldemort's return]] After the return of [[Lord Voldemort]], the minister at the time, [[Cornelius Fudge]], refused to believe that the evil wizard was back despite mounting evidence, and the Ministry even mounted a [[Campaign to Discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter|campaign to damage Harry Potter's credibility]], an effort fuelled in part by Fudge's on paranoid fear that Albus Dumbledore wanted his job. Eventually, the Ministry was forced to acknowledge the emergency and act. Fudge was removed from office for incompetence and replaced by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]].

+

+

Rufus became as bad as Crouch Sr, making scape goats locking the wrong people in Azkaban such as Stan Shunpike, to try and make it look like the Ministry was doing a good job. When he asked Harry to be a mascot so that the public would support them, Harry refused because he knew it was still corrupt.

+

+

After the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic]], the entire Ministry was under Voldemort and doing his bidding under the puppet government headed by [[Pius Thicknesse]]. The various laws implemented in this regime included in the persecution and harassment of Muggle-borns and Muggles and propaganda suggesting the inferiority of Muggles and how they should be treated as sub-humans by wizards. However, after Lord Voldemort's fall and Kingsley Shacklebolt being appointed minister, Harry, Ron, and Hermione work for the Ministry and change it in ways to make it drastically less corrupt.

The same Ministry also appears to govern the Wizarding population in Ireland.

The Ministry of Magic was formed as a successor to the earlier Wizards' Council and came into being sometime during the 1600s. It was involved in the International Confederation of Wizards' decision to create the Statute of Secrecy and still today takes the responsibility of enforcing said Statute. The laws against magic-use by underage wizards and against wand use by non-wizard folk are also enforced by the Ministry, in part to maintain secrecy.

Shortly before Millicent Bagnold's retirement, many of the wizarding population wanted Albus Dumbledore to become Minister.[2] He was offered the job four times,[4] but turned it down, because of his previous negative experiences with power.

In summer 1992, the Improper Use of Magic Office sent Harry Potter a letter of reprimand after the Malfoy familyhouse-elf, Dobby, performed magic in an attempt to keep him away from Hogwarts. In early 1993, Fudge went to Hogwarts to send Hagrid to Azkaban on suspicion of opening the Chamber of Secrets, an accusation that had led to his expulsion from Hogwarts 50 years earlier. Hagrid was freed in June.

Convicted murderer Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban in summer 1993, leading to a massive Ministry manhunt. Severus Snape captured Black and turned him over to Fudge in June 1994, but Harry Potter and Hermione Granger helped him escape and made the Ministry a "laughingstock." [7]

Organising the 1994-1995 Triwizard Tournament involved substantial efforts from the Department for International Magical Cooperation, the Department of Magical Games and Sports, and other parts of the Ministry. The Tournament concluded with the death of Cedric Diggory and the Rebirth of Lord Voldemort on 24 June, 1995. Fudge refused to believe Dumbledore and Harry Potter's accounts of these events, leading Dumbledore to re-activate the Order of the Phoenix to counter Voldemort.

"Maybe the Ministry should put some people onto that, instead of wasting their time stripping down Deluminators or covering up breakouts from Azkaban...People are dying – I was nearly one of them – Voldemort chased me across three counties, he killed Mad-Eye Moody, but there’s no word about any of that from the Ministry, has there? And you still expect us to cooperate with you!"

Despite this, unfortunately, Scrimgeour did not fare much better than Fudge. Again reacting to public opinion, Scrimgeour tried desperately to make the Ministry look like it was making progress, despite the reality being to the contrary, such as by wrongfully imprisoning Stan Shunpike. Harry had two meetings with Scrimgeour, in which Harry's co-operation with the Ministry was solicited for his propaganda value: the Ministry wanted Harry to be the "poster child" for the Ministry so as to give the public hope, by telling them that the Ministry remained a source of safety, strength and that "The Chosen One" endorsed the Ministry's investigations. Harry turned Scrimgeour down flat both times.

In the summer of the next year, shortly after Albus Dumbledore's murder, the Atrium at the Ministry was the setting for a speech by Scrimgeour about the "dark times" in which the wizarding world was living, and how the Ministry remained "strong" and active in the fight against the dark forces.[14] In the meantime, the Death Eaters were managing to infiltrate the Ministry by magically controlling some of the its higher-ranking officials.[15] As a result, later in the summer, on the evening of 1 August, 1997, the Ministry was the stage of a silent coup, during which Scrimgeour was murdered[16] while refusing to give the Death Eaters any information on Harry Potter.[17]

The Ministry's employees are largely unelected, but the Minister for Magic is elected by an unknown group.[2] Employment with the Ministry can be obtained directly upon completion of a wizarding education,[22] although different offices require different levels of education and sometimes specific exam results. Both the Minister and the Ministry as a whole are seen to be sensitive to wizard public opinion, which they attempt to influence via the wizarding newspaper the Daily Prophet.[2]

Each Department has a level of Ministry Headquarters assigned to it, although Law Enforcement has not only level two but also the courtrooms of level ten. There are also many minor offices within the departments. The departments communicate through "interdepartmental memos" written on pale-violet paper aeroplanes, which fly on their own to destinations. The known departments and their offices are the following:

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is a combination of police and justice facilities and has power over all other departments except the Department of Mysteries. It includes the following offices:

"Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards."

The Department of Mysteries, located on Level Nine, is a section of the Ministry of Magic that carries out confidential research regarding particular enigmas (death, time, space, thought, and love) and stores copies of prophecies. Most of its operations are carried out in total secrecy from the general wizard populace.[11] The Department contains the following chambers in which various mysteries of life are studied:

The current Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt, replaced Voldemort's puppet, Pius Thicknesse, who had been placed under the Imperius Curse and put in power after Voldemort killed Scrimgeour, who had replaced Fudge.

Albus Dumbledore was offered the job of Minister and refused it at least four times. In his latter days at Hogwarts, Tom Riddle was widely predicted to become Minister due to his intelligence, magical talent, and ability to forge alliances with the people around him, and to gather followers to serve his interests. Riddle, however, refused all offers of assistance to find work at the Ministry.

The Ministry keeps in touch with the Muggle Prime Minister of the United Kingdom through the help of a portrait in the Downing Street office.[12] The portrait is fixed to the wall with a Permanent Sticking Charm so no Muggles will be able to remove it, and the subject of the painting will notify the Prime Minister of Muggles of the Minister for Magic's impending arrivals.[HP6] The British Crown, including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Monarch, are in full knowledge of the Ministry.
Each new Muggle Prime Minister receives a visit from the Minister for Magic, who informs him or her that the wizarding world exists. He explains that he will contact the Prime Minister only in circumstances in which the events of the wizard world may affect Muggles. For example, the Minister has to inform the Prime Minister if dangerous magical artefacts or animals are to be brought into the U.K.

Presumably, after Voldemort's defeat and Kingsley Shacklebolt's installation of Minister for Magic, the cruel, prejudiced measures imposed under the Death Eater regime towards Muggles (such as the Muggle-Born Registration Commission) were abolished and the Ministry went on communicating with the Muggle Prime Minister when necessary.

The magical government sometimes has given the impression of, at various times, either incompetence or malice, which are demonstrated by successful break-outs from Azkaban and the Campaign to Discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter, respectively. The Ministry has been known to be corrupt in nature, as it is shown to be quite prepared to decree and enforce draconian laws without notice, and seem uninterested in solving serious problems, choosing instead to ignore or cover up bad news.

Dolores Umbridge: "I have testimony from Willy Widdershins, Minerva, who happened to be in the bar at the time. He was heavily bandaged, it is true, but his hearing was quite unimpaired. He heard every word Potter said and hastened straight to the school to report to me--"

Minerva McGonagall: "Oh, so that's why he wasn't prosecuted for setting up all those regurgitating toilets! What an interesting insight into our justice system!"

Fortescue: "Blatant corruption! The Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals in my day, no sir, they did not!"

The Ministry of Magic gives an appearance of, at various times, either confounding incompetence or malice. The Ministry has been seen to decree and enforce harsh and tyrannical laws without notice. The few rights that human wizards do have are denied to non-humans. Even people who have been later found to be innocent have been subjected to the horrors of Azkaban, and not all of the accused are given trials, as was the case with Sirius Black. Modern governments would ostensibly consider some of the actions of the Ministry to be cruel and inhumane. Under the direction of Minister Cornelius Fudge, trials were short and did not employ juries; instead, a Wizarding Council heard every case regardless of what prior knowledge they had of this case, it was unlikely to be able to appeal the verdict and lawyers were not allowed. It is likely that conditions have improved with the new administration. During Hagrid's appeal case before the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, the executioner (Walden Macnair) was present with his axe before a verdict was even decided on, and mostly the Committee's decisions are influenced by Lucius Malfoy, who threatens and intimidates the members into doing his bidding.

The large banner of Cornelius Fudge that used to hang in the atrium, assuring the public that all was well and thus denying the clear evidence of Voldemort's return

After the return of Lord Voldemort, the minister at the time, Cornelius Fudge, refused to believe that the evil wizard was back despite mounting evidence, and the Ministry even mounted a campaign to damage Harry Potter's credibility, an effort fuelled in part by Fudge's on paranoid fear that Albus Dumbledore wanted his job. Eventually, the Ministry was forced to acknowledge the emergency and act. Fudge was removed from office for incompetence and replaced by Rufus Scrimgeour.

Rufus became as bad as Crouch Sr, making scape goats locking the wrong people in Azkaban such as Stan Shunpike, to try and make it look like the Ministry was doing a good job. When he asked Harry to be a mascot so that the public would support them, Harry refused because he knew it was still corrupt.

After the Fall of the Ministry of Magic, the entire Ministry was under Voldemort and doing his bidding under the puppet government headed by Pius Thicknesse. The various laws implemented in this regime included in the persecution and harassment of Muggle-borns and Muggles and propaganda suggesting the inferiority of Muggles and how they should be treated as sub-humans by wizards. However, after Lord Voldemort's fall and Kingsley Shacklebolt being appointed minister, Harry, Ron, and Hermione work for the Ministry and change it in ways to make it drastically less corrupt.